Swissotel Nai Lert Park is one of the few hotels within the city of Bangkok that sits on a large estate - 8 acres of lush tropical gardens to be exact. This is the estate of one of Bangkok's millionaire philanthropists, the late Mr Nai Lert.
A bronze statue of Mr Nai Lert, with a leopard by his side, stands majestically in front of the hotel's main entrance. The following words are inscribed on the brass plaque placed in front of the statue:
"Nai Lert Sreshthaputra (1872 -1945) was Thailand's first and foremost developer, inventor, as well as preserver of Bangkok's green environment. He introduced ice, modernized sea-going vessels, and initiated white boats, trams, and metropolitan white buses."
For all of his good deeds and contributions to the community as philanthropist, inventor and nature conservationist, Mr Nai Lert was royally bestowed the title of "Praya Bhakdinorasreth" (Beloved Millionaire). His legacy continues to live on at Nai Lert Park, where he lived.
Tucked away in an obscure corner of the hotel's expansive compound is one of Bangkok's surprises. I am referring to the very old private shrine, (believed to be more than a hundred years old), which contains hundreds of wooden models of the male genitalia. They are respectfully placed there by women seeking to be pregnant.
The centerpiece is a small spirit house, placed on a high pole covered in colourful cloth. Placed in front of the spirit house are candles and other forms of offerings such as fragrant snow-white Jasmine and pink and white lotus buds. Beside the spirit house, which embodies the goddess Phra Mae Tuptim, stands a 3 meter (10 feet) tall wooden penis, draped in colourful banners. Small ceramic figures, known to the local Thais as "Lords of the Land", are placed in front of the spirit house.
There is very little known about the beginnings of the shrine. The only documentation points to the fact that Mr Nai Lert built a spirit house for the spirit who was believed to reside in the large Sai (Ficus) trees. Over the years, it has evolved into a fertility shrine and its reputation for granting the wishes of women who desired to become pregnant spread wide across the country.
Not usually promoted as a sightseeing attraction, it is not documented in most tourist guidebooks. Neither are there signs at the hotel directing guests to it. However, if you ask the hotel staff, they will politely show you its location.
A bronze statue of Mr Nai Lert, with a leopard by his side, stands majestically in front of the hotel's main entrance. The following words are inscribed on the brass plaque placed in front of the statue:
"Nai Lert Sreshthaputra (1872 -1945) was Thailand's first and foremost developer, inventor, as well as preserver of Bangkok's green environment. He introduced ice, modernized sea-going vessels, and initiated white boats, trams, and metropolitan white buses."
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| The memorial to Nai Lert Sreshthaputra |
For all of his good deeds and contributions to the community as philanthropist, inventor and nature conservationist, Mr Nai Lert was royally bestowed the title of "Praya Bhakdinorasreth" (Beloved Millionaire). His legacy continues to live on at Nai Lert Park, where he lived.
Tucked away in an obscure corner of the hotel's expansive compound is one of Bangkok's surprises. I am referring to the very old private shrine, (believed to be more than a hundred years old), which contains hundreds of wooden models of the male genitalia. They are respectfully placed there by women seeking to be pregnant.
The centerpiece is a small spirit house, placed on a high pole covered in colourful cloth. Placed in front of the spirit house are candles and other forms of offerings such as fragrant snow-white Jasmine and pink and white lotus buds. Beside the spirit house, which embodies the goddess Phra Mae Tuptim, stands a 3 meter (10 feet) tall wooden penis, draped in colourful banners. Small ceramic figures, known to the local Thais as "Lords of the Land", are placed in front of the spirit house.
There is very little known about the beginnings of the shrine. The only documentation points to the fact that Mr Nai Lert built a spirit house for the spirit who was believed to reside in the large Sai (Ficus) trees. Over the years, it has evolved into a fertility shrine and its reputation for granting the wishes of women who desired to become pregnant spread wide across the country.
Not usually promoted as a sightseeing attraction, it is not documented in most tourist guidebooks. Neither are there signs at the hotel directing guests to it. However, if you ask the hotel staff, they will politely show you its location.
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